The primer issue uncovered (plus a secret)

 I was recently posed with a question what prompted me to delve into some terms I use more closely.  My hope is that this post clarifies some products for you as well as helps your makeup last ALL day.

The question I was recently asked was basically (I am paraphrasing) an athletic woman stating that because of her oily skin, her makeup basically melts off before her day is half way done.  I think this is a common problem and there is a HUGE remedy (and honestly pretty simple) and I am going to divulge my secret to you for a AMAZING primer. 

Speaking of  Foundation primers… Let’s talk about those.  What the heck is a PRIMER anyway?  A primer is a cream/gel product that you apply after you cleanse and moisturize your face, just before you apply foundation (I usually wait a few minutes after I apply moisturizer).  The purpose of a primer is to help makeup stay put on your face for 8-12 hours.  Does it work?  ABSOLUTELY!!!!  If you are extra oily, you can try an oil mattifier.  MAC makes a product called SKIN REFINED ZONE that is nice (use only in the T-Zone on top of primer)… But there are other companies that make GREAT mattifying products (Mary Kay has one that gets high marks, I personally have only sampled it—I worked out and makeup didn’t move at ALL!!!)

Back to primers…

There are also eye primers.  I have discussed this a lot on Facebook.  (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Megan-Melone-makeup-services/202668816417684?ref=ts)The purpose of these is not only to allow your makeup to stick to your lid better, but also make the shadow more VIVID.  I won’t put eyemakeup on without a primer… YES, it works.  Concealer can be used as a primer also… I prefer MAC Painterly Paint Pot, especially for oily skin/lids. 

TOP Recommendations: (these are Primers I have tried and these are my UNBIASED opinions… I bought these primers with my own money and am not sponsored or paid for my reviews)

Best Overall (this is my secret): Monistat Chafing gel –I read about this from some WELL respected makeup artists and HESITANTLY gave it a whirl… I have been using it ever since!!!  It is cheap, works amazing and HECK, isn’t that all we need??? Don't be scared, it's not "vag cream" that's NOT it's purpose... LOL  But it is one HECK of a primer!!!

Let me try to explain how GREAT this primer is... When I was at the MAC store a month ago, I was chatting with an associate about the "technical end" of makeup.  He said they had a class with a "well known" makeup artist from France and he stated HE used Chafing Gel instead of the UPPER end ones... WOW!  (Trust me here!!LOL)

Best For sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot is wonderful.  There are lots of anti bac properties that make this primer great for troublesome skin.  

Honorable mention: Palladio herbal primer—Worked pretty well, packaging was an issue for me though.  (I don’t really like their eyeshadow primer… VERY similar to Urban Decay, just WAY cheaper—too wet for me)

**some other tips for locking makeup on... Use a good setting product like MAC Prep and prime translucent finishing powder or Makeup Forever HD powder. As a LAST resort, Finishing sprays can be used... But I wouldn't use those daily.  

I really hope that clears it up… As always, post on my Facebook wall orEmail me (Megan@MeganMelone.com) if you have any questions J

2011 beauty trends I am happy to see come to an END

I feel the need to put a disclaimer on this one. ..These are my opinions and wheras there are exceptions to these rules, many people can take a trend and COMPLETELY overdo it.  I think in the case of these trends, less is more…Some people can pull off these looks and look stunning and HIP, while others take it to a new height and look like a Peacock on crack...LOL

1.      . Feather extensions: Ok, don’t get me wrong, feathers are fine.  I am just OVER the extensions and clip ins.  I am ok with earrings, accessories, etc… but I saw a woman in the nail salon who had at LEAST 20 multi colored extensions… She looked like a deranged peacock.  The feathers were fine while they lasted, but they have gotten a little out of control!

2.       Spring brought us a trend… BRIGHT colored eyeliner…. SAY WHATTTT?  No thanks… This was an AWFUL trend that was only mainly seen on the runways, mainstream makeup didn’t really get caught up in this (rightfully so).  Goodbye yellow and HOT PINK eyeliner… BLECH!!!

3.       

Another Spring trend was slicked back hair.  One word… GREASE!  Eew…

4.      

Foldable flats?  I am not sure I ever got this… Cute?  Yup, but are they good for your feet?  I dunno, I don’t have any but seems like there wouldn’t be a sole. 

5.      

Bright colored highlights.  Maybe it’s my age or the fact that I grew up in the ages of “rainbow bright” but I don’t get it… GOOD BYE bright locks… Please don’t come back! 

6.      

Orange lipstick… OK OK OK, maybe a coral in the summer was accaptable, but Summer 2011 brought some OUTRAGEOUS shades of orange.  This works in editorial print and the runway, but shopping at the local Target and seeing a woman with BRIGHT ORANGE lips is a bit bazaar…

7.       Speaking of Summer 2011, Colored Mascara was in… ADIOS colored mascara!  Ok, I can see a subtle plum or brown, but some of these colors were…well YIKES

There were some AMAZING makeup trends in 2011 also… Red Lips, Pin up liner, bronzed and metallic smoky eyes… AMAZING looks!!!!!!  But remember in the case of trends, don’t overdo it.  (See GORGEOUS examples below)

2 (or 3) new faves

Sorry I have detoured off of my faves for a few days.... I will give you TWO today :) Things have been super busy (It's the MOST wonderful time of the year...LOL).  

Favorite Razor: Schick Hydro 5!  There are other great razors out there, FOR SURE but for whatever reason, this razor is SUPER smooth, no cuts, and seems to last forever!  So don't let the price scare you, it will REALLY last longer than most razors.  

SPRAYS:

I get asked a TON about setting sprays.  MAC Fix+ gets thrown int he mix a lot, but to me this isn't really a SETTING spray, but rather a finishing spray.  If you are looking for a more dewy look (perfect for spring and summer or a natural look anytime of year)... The MAC is a great thing!  You can also use it to foil on pigments and it REALLY is a multi use-product!  I really love this stuff for a FINISHING spray, but it's not (IMO a setting spray)

Favorite makeup setting spray: Urban Decay All nighter.  Now, admittedly, I don't really have an issue with my makeup moving.  I use a good primer and most of the time, my makeup (and my clients) stays put!  But for some extra LOCK, I like the UD.  (they have a GREAT travel size and the full size spray BOTH at Ulta). If you have issues with oily skin, you'll need to make sure you use a GOOD primer and a finishing powder (something finely milled like MUF HD powder or MAC prep and Prime translucent finishing powder).  

Lip Butter Revealed!

HELLLLO Lip Butter.. Playing hard to get I see???  LOL... I am glad I found you!  LOL

Ok ok ok, all silliness aside... Here is a review of the lip butters I hunted down for 2 days!

I finally found these fabulous butters at WALGREENS (beware, they don't all have them).  I bought 4 of them (see swatches below... Special thanks to glamtrotter.com for the swatches) The colors I got were: Peach Parfait, Pink Truffle, Berry Smoothie and Creme Brule (not shown, but it is a very natural beige/gold).

I am really happy I got these--they are DEFINITLY more moisturizing than lipsticks, but I am very fussy about what I use to moisturize my lips.  I was a professional flutist for a long long time and still play, so I am probably (admittedly, I am being harsh because of my background) a little more persnickety than most... I will  reach for these if I want something with pigment FOR SURE because during the Winter, we ALL need moisturizer.

I would describe the texture as cross between a balm and lipstick.  They aren't quite as pigmented as a lipstick, but PERFECT for a professional environment or day time use.  They feel REALLY smooth on and I just ADORE the colors I chose (there are some really cute pinks too, I chose not to purchase those because I  am pretty fair and my hair is black now, so pinks don't fare well on me at the moment).  My FAVORITE is Pink Truffle!!!! ooh la la... I am LOVING THIS

Scent: I don't have a good sense of smell, so I smell nothing... LOL  No fruity stuff (although they have dessert names) so it's really neutral!

I HIGHLY recommend trying these--especially in the WINTER... The colors are natural, even a little sheer, but definitely pigmented.

Revlon!!!!

Ok, sorry this isn't a favorite.. I have gotten a little side tracked and neglected my list.  I am on a QUEST for these freaking Revlon Lip Butters (allegedly they're amazingly moisturizing.. Who doesn't want that for the Winter, right??)  At this point, most people would give up, but seeing empty displays at CVS, just made me want them MORE!!!!!  LOL  So when I get them (and I will) everyone will know about it!!!!

I have checked my local Walgreens, CVS (empty display).. another CVS (nothing) and Target... seriously?  It's Revlon how is everyone sold out?  Today, I guess I will try some more places... Probably Ulta.  I can't believe I am hunting down a lip butter... This is hilarious!  Anyone have them????

TOP 10 makeup Mistakes

TOP 10 Biggest makeup mistakes:

1.   1.    Matching eyeshadow to shirt (or for my competitors—to your suit).  This is INCREDIBLY outdated and in the 80’s I would say… that’s RAD, but in 2011 (almost 2012), don’t do this. 

2.       2. Not blending foundation properly/choosing the wrong shade.  I have seen it all… way too dark, way too light.  On the lower jaw line, swatch a color and the one that disappears will be the one you want to choose. 

                                                                                      

3.       3. Not blending makeup properly (especially on the eyes)… I say it OVER AND OVER, blending is key.  You should not be able to tell where one color starts and where another stops.  If you don’t have good blending brushes, contact me and I will recommend some (or read my previous blogs). 

4.      4.  Bringing out too many features.  If you have dramatic smoky eyes, a red lip will be too much… pick one and let it be your focal point.

                                                                   

 

5.      5.  Face is TOO SHIMMERY.  Pick and choose wisely where you place your shimmer/highlighter.  In the winter, most experts recommend a matte look while in the summer, a more shimmery/dewy  look is acceptable. 

6.       6. Unkempt lips… OK, maybe this isn’t a makeup issue but keeping lips soft and not peeling (especially in the winter) is a chore in and of itself.  I tend to be a traditionalist and opt for vasaline at night and a moisturizing tinted balm during the day. 

                                                                      

7.      7.  OVERPLUCKED brows… Especially Fall winter 2011/2012  Fuller brows are “IN” and it’s pretty simple to fill in brows (I do it EVERY day).  Use a small angled brush and a matte cream shadow or liner a shade darker than your hair. 

                                                                        

8.       8. Too much makeup: less is more but Calvin Klein Said it best “The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.” (can you tell which one is better??)

                             

9.       9.Over-glossed lips: Just gloss in the center when applying over a lipstick… It will by nature diffuse out and you will look amazing!

10.10.    Too much powder (the cakey look).  If you love powder, sprits a little MAC fix plus for a more natural look or just use a translucent set powder (like MAC prep+Prime translucent finishing powder)--besides... this can REALLY age a person... the powder can crease in fine lines... YIKES!!!!

Mascara Mayhem

So mascara is one of those things I don't agree with some MUA's about... I do not GET spending $20-$30 on mascara when the only difference I can see (between high end and drug store mascaras) is the wand.  I go through so much mascara between myself and my clients that it seems silly to invest in some pricey ones (although shout out to Tarte for making a GREAT mascara).


I am going to focus on drug store mascara since it is NOT ONLY a better deal (IMO) but more accessible to my clients who ask my opinion on this issue.

Top 3


3.  Loreal Great Lash.  I love this on false lashes.  It gets slammed a lot for being a "wet" formula, but on false lashes, it's perfectly thick and false lashes won't "fall" after you curl them.  It thickens up nicely and my NUMBER ONE pick for application if you are wearing false lashes.




2.  This is a CLOSE ONE!!!!  Voluminous makes several formulas... They all have different wands, but this one (with collagen) is a GREAT volume mascara!  I love the thick wand with a lot of bristles.  This is a FABULOUS mascara!!



1.  My TOP mascara is Voluminous MILLION DOLLAR lashes.  The bristles are small on this wand... It is REALLY great for coating EVERY lash and even on the bottom.  Smaller brushes are great for those little lashes in the inside corner and on the bottom.  I DEFINITELY recommend this one over any other mascara I have tried (including the VERY expensive ones)!!!!